Pebble Beach isn’t the only California course with killer views

MILE 105Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
Redesigned by the Don himself (after Pete Dye’s original), Trump National is a terraced toughie (nearly every hole parallels the ocean). Criticized by LPGA players for being too tough after it hosted the 2005 Office Depot Championship, it boasts all the excess that you’d expect from Trump: a voluminous, artificial waterfall; gilded clubhouse; and views that, as it were, money can buy. Green Fees: $80-$275.

MILE 221Sandpiper Golf Club, Goleta, California.
Located just north of Santa Barbara, Sandpiper Golf Club has hosted a number of professional Tour events, including the PGA Tour Tournament Players Series. Designed by William F. Bell, the course opened in 1972 and features some pretty views of the Pacific, although its proximity to an offshore oil refinery has disappointed some. Green Fees: $74-$159.

MILE 443Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses, Seaside, California.
After a recent, $13 million renovation spearheaded by Gene Bates, these two courses, originally part of Fort Ord, are tougher than ever. (Bayonet held a U.S. Open qualifier this year and was selected by the PGA Tour to host Stage Two of Q-School.) Located only 10 miles from Pebble Beach, both courses were originally designed by two Army generals and christened in honor of local units. Green Fees: $85-$160.

Alister MacKenzie’s Pasatiempo is a must-play.

MILE 490Pasatiempo Golf Course, Santa Cruz, California.
Okay, so Pasatiempo isn’t exactly on the coast, but it’s less than five miles away, and after a recent renovation, this classic is better than ever. The semiprivate Alister MacKenzie (Augusta National, Cypress Point) design is known for its unique bunkering and contoured greens. It’s a must-play, because, really, how many times does one get to play a masterpiece? Green Fees: $220.

MILE 525Half Moon Bay Golf Links, Half Moon Bay, California.
Thirty miles from downtown San Francisco, Half Moon Bay has two courses with British Isles-like views. The Old Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane measures about 350 yards more than the Arthur Hills-designed Ocean Course. With extra yards comes mandatory carts on the Old Course. Feel free to play the game as it should be on the new Ocean. You’ll feel like you’re abroad. Other UK/Ireland similarities: no driving range, and it gets foggy. Green Fees: $50-$205.

Greenlight Specials

Monarch Beach Golf Links
One round per day with stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach. From $795.

Unlimited Golf Getaway at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. $475/night.

Torrey Pines Golf Course
Signature Package. Two nights at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, one round, full breakfast. $1,379.

The Resort at Pelican Hill
Golf and Spa Experience. Two rounds of golf per night. $645-$2,225.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Tee for two. Two rounds of golf on either course, plus overnight accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Sign up for weekly enewsletter for great deals, too. $549-$809.